The Professional Doctorate in Operational Excellence is a unique part-time degree designed to enhance executive / professional education and practice through rigorous research into real and complex issues in contemporary business and management. It is envisaged that students holding the Professional Doctorate will ultimately lead communities of practice in their specialist profession.

This programme is aimed at senior business professionals aiming to take their career to the next level.

The Professional Doctorate award is distinct from a PhD award in the following respects:

• Considerable weight is given to the taught components of the programme;
• The thesis produced at the end of the programme will make an original contribution to practice within the relevant professional area or areas;
• The Professional Doctorate typically focuses on research ‘in’ rather than research ‘on’ organisations.

Employers will benefit from supporting students on the programme by building knowledge for competitive advantage.

For full details, please email our team via bleu@buckingham.ac.uk

• A master’s degree from a recognised institution comparable/ equivalent to a British level 7 degree.
• A minimum of 5 years management experience at a senior level with practical knowledge of business or public organisations.
• English language skills of level IELTS score of 7.5.

Applicants without a master’s degree may still be eligible based on their professional experience and qualifications.

Structure

Students will initially be registered for the degree of DProf. Their status will be probationary until all taught modules have been passed and the proposed research has been assessed as viable.

The first two years of the programme comprise taught modules that prepare students for doctoral level research in Operational Excellence. The taught modules are delivered through a series of nine 2.5 day workshops facilitated by internationally renowned researchers and practitioners. The taught modules are followed by a doctoral research project of 2 plus years.

Each student will be assigned a supervisory team which will provide expert support throughout the taught and research components of the programme.

Modules

All taught modules are designed to support students develop their ability to articulate and defend their research. It is anticipated that the assignments developed during the taught component will constitute or form the foundation of the first 3 chapters of the final thesis.

The Programme consists of 540 credits: 180 credits at level 7 and 360 credits at level 8. The level 7 taught modules are:

Module 1: Designing a Professional Doctoral Research Project (20 credits).

Module 2: Theory & Contemporary Thinking in Operational Excellence (40 credits).

Module 3: Engaging with a Relevant Body of Knowledge (60 credits).

Module 4: Methodological Frameworks Data Collection (60 credits).

Throughout the taught and research components of the programme extensive feedback is provided on draft work.

Students who successfully complete the programme will be awarded a Professional Doctorate in Operational Excellence (DProf).

Students who successfully complete all taught modules will be eligible to graduate with a step-off award of Master of Business Research (MBusRes) if doctoral level research is not pursued

The fee above is for the first four years of the Professional Doctorate in Operational Excellence. Year 5 plus any further optional research years cost 50% of the full course fee (£3,825 per year for UK/EU students and £6,975 per year for international students).

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study. Find out more information and check your eligibility.

Due to the mode of study on this course you will not normally need a room in University accommodation during your degree.

However, if you require short-term accommodation in Buckingham we would be happy to provide a list of local bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation. Alternatively, please contact our Accommodation Office for advice.